一、Encounter on Pate Island (1999)
American journalist's report
Descendants of Chinese sailors
Clues: Asian appearance, porcelain heirlooms, shards
Echo of maritime exploration
二、Background of the Voyages
Time period: 6 centuries ago
Fleet's composition: giant junks, supply ships, etc.
四、Voyages (1405-1433)
Half-century before Europeans
三、Zheng He's Life
Birth: Yunnan, China (1371)
Education: Confucius, Mencius
Military training and palace duties
Knowledge in ship construction
五、Treasure Fleet Construction (1403)
Engineering innovation: divided hulls
Features: watertight compartments, ballast
Roots in early Chinese seafaring
六、Objectives of the Voyages
Establish ties with rulers
Trade goods: silk, porcelain, lacquerware
Exchange for spices, ivory, medicines, etc.
七、Achievements and Impact
Diplomatic skills impress rulers
Sending ambassadors to Ming court
八、Seventh Expedition (1431-1433)
Sailing to Malindi, Kenya
Stopping at trading ports
九、Decline of the Voyages
Military investment shifted to the north
Focus on Great Wall construction
Navy shrank, ships destroyed
End of Ming Dynasty sea voyages
十、Legacy and Significance
Spread of Chinese culture and influence
Challenges human limits at sea
Contributions to modern technologies: gunpowder, compass
Great explorer in world history
Contributions to human civilization